All-Star Game: Victor Vembanyama presents the MVP trophy to Yuhann Begarin, the author of an epic performance.

The action takes place moments after the end of the All-Star Game in the privacy of one of the Accor Arena dressing rooms. This is a French camp. It was immortalized by a photograph that the parties concerned later posted on their social media. We see the Parisian Johan Begarin and the interior of the Metropolitans Victor Vembanyam, who poses with a smile. Accomplices! The post is accompanied by a short text from Begarin, who thanks his partner for “offering him the MVP trophy.” “It goes straight to my heart,” the Parisian continues.

Number 1 on the back and in the applause counter at an evening of stars in front of 15,833 spectators who looked only at him, Victor Wembanyama was voted Man of the Match by the jury. A logical reward, as the prodigy Metz proved invaluable during the French victory over the rest of the world’s choice (136-128). The author of gestures, the secret of which only he owns, he delighted the public and voiced the rebellion of the French team when they were at their worst (26-43, 9th place). With 27 points (but a poor 12 of 25 shots, including 1 of 9 3s), 12 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 assists and 2 blocks, he was a great MVP.

In the meantime, a real debate broke out. During the post-match press conference, Wemby was also surprised to receive the title. “Besides, I really don’t understand, since I see that Johan (Begarin) had a score of 38 against 32 for me, he has almost no statistics below mine, he trusted the person concerned. I doubt why he was not chosen MVP, but I think he deserves it, I’m even sure. The French basketball prodigy understood only too well why he received this award. The likely future No. 1 NBA draft pick played his first and last All-Star Game in France on Thursday before a lengthy loan across the Atlantic, he couldn’t walk away without a bounty.

With 25 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals, Johann Begarin deserved at least as much as Wembby to win this trophy. Behind was another great architect of the French victory with his defense and spectacular dunks. He showed the public why he was called to Boston in 2021, although he has remained in the Paris incubator ever since. In the evening, he proved that he could qualify for a place in the NBA.

Begzz (nickname of Begarin) also excelled during the dunk competition where he was a superb finalist. On one of his aisles, the Parisian suggested an inverted alle-up sent by… Wembanyama, which made the Accor Arena hum with pleasure. At the end of the episode, the two players, who made their debut together for the French national team just a few weeks ago during the qualifiers for the next World Cup, once again showed a great connection, having a small celebration, probably prepared in advance. . Rivals in the league with their respective clubs, the two young nuggets of French basketball (18 for one and 20 for the other) showed great connection and obvious and sincere closeness throughout the evening.

So if Wemby remains in the history books as the 2022 All-Star Game MVP, Begarin will keep the trophy. “I will be happy when I have a trophy with my team,” Vembanyama said.